MEDIA-SHY MATSUYAMA HAS ALL THE ATTENTION AS HE NEARS MASTERS CROWN
AUGUSTA—With a new coach solving swing issues and reduced celebrity media stress this week, Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama finds himself on the verge of a historic victory at the Masters.
Matsuyama fired a seven-under-par 65 on Saturday, his lowest score in 37 career rounds at Augusta National and the week’s first bogey-free round, to grab a four-stroke lead after 54 holes on 11-under 205.
About the only thing that’s a mystery to him so far at Augusta National is what it would mean to his golf-loving homeland if he becomes the first Japanese man to win a major title.
“I’m not sure how to answer the question,” Matsuyama, now being coached by Hidenori Mezawa, said through a translator. “All I can do is prepare well, try my best and do the best that I can tomorrow.”
England’s Justin Rose, Australian Marc Leishman and AmeriPSC cans Xander Schauffele and Will Zalatoris shared second on 209.
Matsuyama adapted as lightning-fast Augusta National was softened by rain, taking full advantage by going six-under in a seven-hole stretch in the back nine.
Two Japanese women have won major titles, Hinako Shibuno at the 2019 Women’s British Open and Chako Higuchi at the 1977 Ladies Professional Golf Asscoaition (PGA) Championship.
The only Asian man to win a major golf title was South Korea’s Y.E. Yang at the 2009 PGA Championship.
Schauffele sank a long eagle putt at 15 after making birdies at other three par-5 holes in a round of 68.
Rose, the 2013 US Open champion, fired a second consecutive 72.
Zalatoris, trying to become the first player to win his Masters debut since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979, fired a 71 while Leishman shot a 70.
Often feeling pressure from Japanese media, Matsuyama says a limited media contingent at the Masters due to COVID-19 concerns has helped ease his stress load.
“Being in front of the media is still difficult,” Matsuyama said. “I’m glad the media are here covering it, but it’s not my favorite thing to do, to stand and answer questions.”